Radley Lakes – November 2022

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Here is the view across Thrupp Lake from the far side. The Michaelmas daisies are now fluffy seedheads, and their stalks and leaves turn black.

Here is a similar view from behind the bench dedicated to Basil  Crowley  – Chairman of Save Radley Lakes from 2005 -2010. He used to take photographs around the lakes that appeared on the cards sold to raise funds for Save Radley Lakes.

Another seat has a plaque to James Culling of the Earth Trust, who currently runs the Radley Lakes wildlife area with the support of the Radley Lakes Trust.

There seemed to be more ducks on Thrupp Lake on my monthly walk today. Ducks included mallards and black and white ducks too far away for me to identify.

There were also half a dozen swans.
November has brought rain. The smaller lakes that seemed to be drying up have filled with water, and even the paths in places have filled with water.

Buddy Bench + Lodge Hill Planning Application submitted

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In recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, Oxfordshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated a friendship bench to Dunmore Primary School in Abingdon.

Close to the developer’s Abbey Fields and Kings Gate developments, the school has received a bench inscribed with ‘We sit, we chat and ask each other questions. We leave as friends, with all good intentions’, for its pupils to use when they need to talk to someone.

Anti-Bullying Week takes place from Monday 14th to Friday 18th November.

Oxfordshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes have also given developer funding towards upgrading the A34 interchange at Lodge Hill to have south-facing slipways.

The planning application for the Lodge Hill interchange has been submitted and can be viewed and commented upon at https://myeplanning2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Planning/Display/R3.0148/22.

Autumn Fayre and Christmas Fayre

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The NSPCC Autumn Fayre happens next Saturday (19 November) at the Roysse Room.

Starting at the same time, there is a Christmas Fayre and Christmas Tree Competition at Abingdon Baptist Church. Proceeds go towards the Abingdon Baptist Church development fund.

The induction of the Revd Rachel Hughes, the new minister at the baptist church, will occur on Saturday, 3 December 2022, at 11 am.

North Abingdon growth area

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A lot more houses have been built in the north Abingdon growth area.

A theme is developing on the Kings Gate Estate. Rather than Kings, the names being used are ex-Mayors of Abingdon; the latest to be revealed is George Aird, mayor from 1986 to 1987.

The developing road name theme on the Abbey Fields estate appears to be ex-Abingdon businesses. Hathaways was the tobacconist in the High Street.

Baileys sold and repaired shoes on Bath Street.

The entrance driveway to a new shop is being made.

The building is mostly complete and the shop is being kitted out and the car park laid. The opening is expected in December 2022.

As to the Lodge Hill Interchange work, paid for by these developments, the Oxfordshire County Council Website says ‘Phase One currently consists of submitting a planning application in early October 2022.’

I don’t think that has happened. Work on Abingdon Bridge was also expected to start in October 2022.